Florida substitute teacher arrested for allegedly kicking special needs student

Bryan Schewitz, a 60-year-old substitute teacher, was arrested in Flagler County, Florida, following allegations that he kicked a student with special needs at Matanzas High School.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on October 16, 2026, during a behavioral episode involving the student. Witnesses reported that Schewitz used excessive force while attempting to seat the student and allegedly held the student’s hands down on a desk, stating, “The gloves are off.” Another witness observed Schewitz kicking the student, which reportedly left a prominent mark on the child’s leg. The student’s mother stated that skin had been torn from the child's leg.

When questioned by a staff member regarding the injury, Schewitz allegedly replied, “He kicked me and I kicked him. So now we’re square.”

Schewitz has been charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. During questioning by detectives, Schewitz maintained that the contact was accidental, claiming he extended his foot to block the student from kicking him.